On 7 January, the Italian Parliament gave its final approval to the ratification of the Geneva Act. Italy is now expected to deposit its instrument of ratification at WIPO.
Italy’s accession will contribute to the positive momentum of the Geneva Act as an attractive legal instrument, with its membership continuing to expand. This is particularly relevant in the current international context, as it helps reaffirm the value of multilateralism.
Likewise, in coordination with the European Union, Italy’s accession to the Geneva Act will increase the number of international applications under the Lisbon System. This is positive both in terms of legal certainty for the international trade of Appellations of Origin and Geographical Indications, and of additional resources for the Lisbon System itself.
Finally, Italy’s accession to the Geneva Act will ensure that Appellations of Origin previously protected under the Lisbon System maintain their prior protection in those Lisbon Agreement Contracting Parties that have acceded – or will accede – to the Geneva Act. This element is crucial for the respect of established international intellectual property norms.
The Geneva Act helps producers of Appellations of Origin (AO) and Geographical Indications (GIs) protect distinctive geographical names in multiple jurisdictions through a single registration procedure and one set of fees.
oriGIn strongly supports the Geneva Act as a modern and flexible instrument, which plays a crucial role in strengthening GI protection globally for the benefit of small producers and small and medium-sized enterprises. For more information on the WIPO Geneva Act, please visit the dedicated page of our web .
